HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-02 PACKET 08.C.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING 1 122 1 1 7. ITEM # C
DATE *
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Zac Dockter
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Consider adopting the proposed policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products in city parks.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the proposed policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products in city parks.
BUDGET IMPLICATION
BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION
❑ PLANNING
❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
❑ PUBLIC WORKS
® PARKS AND RECREATION
❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS
❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY
® ENVIRONMENTAL
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
DATE REVIEWED
APPROVED
DENIED
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11/14/11 & 8/8/12
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11/9/11 ❑
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® MEMO /LETTER:
❑ RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
i y dministrator Date
C: \Documents and Settings \nbelscamper \Local Setting s\Tem pora ry Internet Files \Content.Outlook \7M17XZQ6 \City Council Action Form - 12-
19-12.doc
(= Memo
To:
From: Molly Pietruszewski
Date: December 19, 2012
Re: Tobacco Free Parks Policy
Introduction
The Tobacco Free Policy proposed by the Recreation Department was approved by the
Environmental Commission on November 9, 2011 and the Parks Commission on
November 14, 2011. However, when presented to City Council for approval on
February 15, 2012 they did not approve the policy. Council recommended the policy be
brought back to the Parks Commission for further review. On June 11, 2012 the policy
came back to the Parks Commission for review. Not all commission members were
present to discuss the concerns; therefore decided to table the discussion until the
August 8, 2012 meeting. At that meeting commission members discussed the concerns
brought forth by council.
Discussion
Following are the items that Council wanted the Commission to review.
Is there a way to create more of an awareness /guidelines and not a policy?
All 150 cities /counties in Minnesota that have made their parks tobacco -free have
done so either through a policy or ordinance. There isn't a proven, more effective
way to communicate the tobacco -free parks message to our community.
Can the Cottage Grove policy be specific to our needs?
Other communities have opted to adopt policies that include only specific park
amenities, or, similarly, exclude certain amenities. Rarely do cities make policies
that go park -by -park but rather, lump amenities together (ball fields, playgrounds,
water parks, etc.) and either include or exclude what they see fit. The policy for
the City of Cottage Grove would exclude River Oaks Golf Course.
What about special events?
Other communities have opted to require groups using the parks for special
events to submit for a permit to be exempted from the policy. This will be on our
facility use permit as an option; the Parks Commission will review permits
requesting the exemption and either accept or deny. This will allow our policy to
be very comprehensive; limiting the amount of confusion.
Signage — not sure about more in the parks.
City staff along with representatives from Tobacco Free Youth Recreation
(TFYR) will be careful with sign placement assessment; we will place signage in
the fewest, but most likely to be viewed locations in Cottage Grove. This will limit
the amount of signage in our parks.
The City of Cottage Grove's tobacco -free parks policy will be communicated via
the City's website, brochures, city newsletters, in addition to the signage. This
helps clarify for residents the intent of the policy. Although there are several
versions of free signs sponsored by TFYR — we feel this sign is clear yet
welcoming.
Recommendation
Adopt the proposed policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products in city parks.
RESOLUTION NO. 2012 - [Resolution Number]
POLICY PROHIBITING THE USE OF
TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN CITY PARKS
WHEREAS, the City believes that tobacco use in the proximity of children and
adults engaging in or watching outdoor recreational activities in City Parks is
detrimental to their health and can be offensive to those using such facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City has an opportunity to create and sustain an environment
that supports a non - tobacco norm through a tobacco -free policy, rule
enforcement, adult role modeling in City Parks, and a positive marketing
campaign via signage in the parks and printed policies on literature from the
Parks and Recreation Department; and
WHEREAS, those reserving /renting a facility may request a variance to the
policy from the Parks and Natural Resources Commission thirty days in advance
of the requested date; and
WHEREAS, the Parks & Natural Resources Commission and Environmental
Commission recommends the prohibition of tobacco use at all City Parks to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Citizens of our City; and
WHEREAS, this policy would exclude River Oaks Golf Course due to the nature
of the land and the general demographics using the facility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, prohibits tobacco use
at all City -owned park land, park facilities, and open spaces.
Passed this 19 day of December 2012.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk